Kampala, Uganda – Kampala businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, has sealed off the Nakivubo channel to pave way for new structures under his ambitious redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium. The move, which follows approval from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has left scores of hawkers (batembeyi) stranded with nowhere to operate.
Through his company, Ham Enterprises, the young city tycoon defended the project, saying it is part of broader efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure and modernize the stadium precinct. He stressed that the development had received official clearance from KCCA authorities.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who expressed frustration over what he termed as a growing dominance of wealthy individuals and politically connected elites in the governance of Kampala.
“The governance of Kampala is no longer in the hands of KCCA leaders but rather dominated by wealthy individuals and those with political power,” Lukwago lamented, warning that such projects risk sidelining the city’s ordinary residents.
The Lord Mayor also faulted weaknesses in the KCCA Act, saying it does not adequately safeguard the livelihoods of low-income city dwellers such as hawkers. Instead, he argued, the law tends to favor the interests of the elite at the expense of the wider public.
As construction plans progress, uncertainty looms over the fate of the displaced hawkers, with many demanding that city authorities provide them with alternative spaces to earn a living.
